U.S. patent number 6,693,596 [Application Number 10/111,331] was granted by the patent office on 2004-02-17 for dual-frequency antenna.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Nippon Antena Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Shimizu, Masashi Wakui.
United States Patent |
6,693,596 |
Wakui , et al. |
February 17, 2004 |
Dual-frequency antenna
Abstract
An umbrella-shaped crown section 5a is provided on the front end
of a linear element section 5b. The front end of the
umbrella-shaped crown section 5a and the power supply section 6a at
the lower end of the element section 5b are connected by means of a
folded element 5c. Thereby, the dual-frequency antenna 5 is able to
operate in two different frequency bands.
Inventors: |
Wakui; Masashi (Warabi,
JP), Shimizu; Hiroshi (Warabi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Nippon Antena Kabushiki Kaisha
(JP)
|
Family
ID: |
18759168 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/111,331 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2002 |
PCT
Filed: |
September 03, 2001 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP01/07603 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO02/21637 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 14, 2002 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Sep 8, 2000 [JP] |
|
|
2000-273170 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
343/711;
343/752 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q
1/32 (20130101); H01Q 1/3275 (20130101); H01Q
1/42 (20130101); H01Q 9/36 (20130101); H01Q
5/371 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
H01Q
9/36 (20060101); H01Q 9/04 (20060101); H01Q
1/32 (20060101); H01Q 5/00 (20060101); H01Q
009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;343/711,713,872,752,712,749,828,829,830,846,848 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
5181044 |
January 1993 |
Matsumoto et al. |
|
Primary Examiner: Clinger; James
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dual-frequency antenna which operates in two freqency bands
characterized by comprising: a linear element section having a
power supply point end and a front end; a crown section provided at
the front end of said linear element section and having a
downwardly inclined umbrella-shape; a matching stub for shorting a
portion of said linear element section to earth; and a folded
element which connects the power supply point end of said element
with the front end of said crown section.
2. The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 1, characterized
in that the front end of said crown section is bent downwards to
form a cylindrical section.
3. The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 1, characterized
in that the frequency ratio of said two frequency bands is
approximately 1:2.
4. The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 1, characterized
by being accommodated inside a case constituted by a metal base
having an installing section that is attachable to a vehicle and
formed on the lower face thereof, and a cover which fits into said
metal base.
5. The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 1, characterized
in that a navigation antenna is also accommodated inside said
case.
6. A dual frequency antenna which operates in two frequency bands
according to claim 1, wherein said matching stub connects a portion
of said linear element section which is intermediate said power
supply point end and said front end to earth.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a dual-frequency antenna which
operates in two frequency bands, and more particularly, to a
dual-frequency antenna which is suitable for an antenna of a mobile
telephone system which makes separate use of two frequency
bands.
BACKGROUND ART
In general, a plurality of frequency bands are allocated for use in
mobile telephone systems. For example, in the PDC system (Personal
Digital Cellular telephone system) used in Japan, the 800 MHz band
(810 MHz-956 MHz) and the 1.4 GHz band (1429 MHz-1501 MHz) are
allocated, whilst in Europe, for example, the 900 MHz band (870
MHz-960 MHz) GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) and the
1.8 GHz band (1710 MHz-1880 MHz) DCS (Digital Cellular System) are
used. Two frequency bands are allocated in this manner due to the
shortage of usable frequencies that has arisen from the increase in
the number of subscribers. For example, in Europe, it is possible
to use 900 MHz band GSM system portable telephones throughout the
whole of Europe, but within urban regions, it is possible to use
1.8 GHz DCS system portable telephones, in order to supplement the
shortage of usable frequencies.
However, a DCS system portable telephone cannot be used in
non-urban regions. Against this background, dual-band portable
telephones have been developed which can be used in both GSM and
DCS systems. These dual-band portable telephones are naturally
equipped with a dual-frequency antenna which is capable of
operating in the 900 MHz band and the 1.8 GHz band. In general,
these dual-frequency antennas are constituted by respective
antennas operating at respective frequencies, the two antennas
being connected by means of isolating means, such as a choke coil,
or the like, in order to prevent either antenna from affecting the
operation of the other.
However, if a choke coil is adopted as isolation means, it is
difficult to separate the signals across a broad frequency band. In
other words, even if a choke coil is provided between antennas
operating at respectively different frequencies, if broad frequency
bands are used, such as mobile telephone bands, then a problem
arises in that the respective antennas are unable to operate
independently over the frequency bands, and they each affect the
other and prevent satisfactory operation.
Moreover, if a mobile telephone is mounted in a vehicle, then an
antenna is installed on the vehicle. A variety of antennas may be
used for this antenna, but reception sensitivity can be increased
if the antenna is installed on the roof of the vehicle, being the
highest position thereof, and hence roof antennas have been
preferred conventionally.
However, in a dual-frequency antenna using a choke coil, such as a
trap coil, the antenna length will be great, the antenna will
project a long way beyond the roof of the vehicle, and hence it
will detract from the vehicle design.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a low-profile
dual-frequency antenna which operates satisfactorily in two
different frequency bands, and in order to achieve the
aforementioned object, the dual-frequency antenna of the present
invention comprises: a linear element section; a crown section
provided at the front end of said element section and having a
downwardly inclined umbrella-shape; a matching stub for shorting an
intermediate portion of said element section to earth; and a folded
element which connects the power supply point of said element with
the front end of said crown section; in such a manner that the
antenna operates in two frequency bands.
In this manner, in the present invention, a folded element is
provided connecting the front end of the crown section provided at
the front end of the linear element and the power supply point of
the linear element. By providing this folded element, it is
possible to achieve an antenna operating in two frequency bands,
and a frequency ratio of approximately 1:2 is achieved between the
two frequency bands at which it operates.
Moreover, since the dual-frequency antenna according to the present
invention is provided with a crown section which functions as a top
loading element, at the front end of the linear element, it is
possible to reduce the height of the dual-frequency antenna.
Therefore, the dual-frequency antenna can be accommodated inside a
small antenna case, and excellent design can be achieved since the
antenna does not project significantly when attached to the roof of
a vehicle.
Moreover, in the dual-frequency antenna according to the present
invention, it is also possible to bend the front end of the crown
section downwards to form a cylindrical section, and to accommodate
the antenna inside a case consisting of a metal base having an
installing section attachable to a vehicle formed on the lower face
thereof, and a cover which fits into the metal base. Furthermore,
it is also possible to accommodate a navigation antenna inside the
case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first composition of an embodiment of
the dual-frequency antenna according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second composition of an embodiment
of the dual-frequency antenna according to the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a composition wherein a dual-frequency
antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention is
applied to a vehicle antenna;
FIG. 4 is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics in a
GSM frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting the dual-frequency
antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in a GSM frequency
band of a vehicle antenna adopting the dual-frequency antenna
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in a DCS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting a dual-frequency
antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in a DCS frequency
band of a vehicle antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna
according to an embodiment of present invention;
FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 870 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 870 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 915 MHz and 960 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 915 MHz and 960 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1710 MHz and 1795 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1710 MHz and 1795 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 1880 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in a GSM
frequency band of a vehicle antenna equipped with GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in a GSM
frequency band of a vehicle antenna equipped with GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 14 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in a DCS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna equipped with GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in a DCS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna equipped with GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 870 MHz of a vehicle antenna equipped with a GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 870 MHz of a vehicle antenna equipped with a GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 915 MHz and 960 MHz of a vehicle antenna equipped with a
GPS antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 915 MHz and 960 MHz of a vehicle antenna equipped with a
GPS antenna adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1710 MHz and 1795 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna equipped with a GPS antenna according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1710 MHz and 1795 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
dual-frequency antenna equipped with a GPS antenna according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing directionality in a horizontal plane
at 1880 MHz of a vehicle antenna equipped with a GPS antenna
adopting a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 20 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in an
AMPS frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in an AMPS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of present
invention;
FIG. 22 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in a PCS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing VSWR characteristics in a PCS
frequency band of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 824 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 24(b) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 824 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 25(a) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 859 MHz and 894 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
further dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 859 MHz and 894 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
further dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 26(a) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1850 MHz and 1920 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
further dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and
FIG. 26(b) is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1850 MHz and 1920 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a
further dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the directionality in a horizontal
plane at 1990 MHz of a vehicle antenna adopting a further
dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a first composition of an embodiment of a
dual-frequency antenna according to the present invention, and FIG.
2 shows a second composition of an embodiment of a dual-frequency
antenna according to the present invention.
The dual-frequency antenna 5 having the first composition shown in
FIG. 1 is constituted by an umbrella-shaped crown element 5a which
bends downwards as shown in the diagram, and a thick linear element
section 5b, and a matching stub 5e is provided in such a manner
that it connects an intermediate location of the element section 5b
with an earth section 6b formed on the circuit board 6. The crown
section 5a is connected to the element section 5b as a top loading
section, and it is possible to shorten the length of the element
section 5b. The matching stub 5e serves to match the dual-frequency
antenna 5 with the coaxial cable leading from the dual-frequency
antenna 5. Furthermore, the lower end of the element section 5b is
connected to a power supply section 6a formed on the circuit board
6. In this case, the element section 5b is formed by a metal pipe,
and the element section 5b may be affixed to the power supply
section 6a by introducing a T-shaped pin inside the element section
5b from the rear surface of the circuit board 6. The characteristic
composition of the dual-frequency antenna 5 having a first
composition relating to this embodiment of the present invention is
that the front end of the umbrella-shaped crown section 5a and the
power supply section 6a are connected by means of a folded element
5c. Since the front end of the umbrella-shaped crown section 5a and
the power supply section 6a are connected in this way by means of
the folded element 5c, the dual-frequency antenna 5 operates in two
frequency bands.
Since the crown section 5a of the dual-frequency antenna 5 is bent
back to form a downward umbrella section, a large capacity is
formed between the ground plane in contact with the earth section
6b and the crown section 5a, and hence the diameter of the crown
section 5a can be reduced. For example, if this dual-frequency
antenna 5 is adopted as a dual-frequency antenna for digital
cellular systems such as a 900 MHz-hand (824 MHz-894 MHz) AMPS
(Advanced Mobile Phone Service) system, and a 1.8 GHz bad (1850
MHz-1990 MHz) PCS (Personal Communication Service) system, then the
diameter of the crown section 5a will be approximately 30 mm, and
the height of the antenna can be reduced to a low profile of
approximately 38 mm. This figure corresponds to at least a
three-fold reduction in the diameter of the crown section, compared
to a conventional crown antenna of the same antenna height.
Next, a dual-frequency antenna 15 having a second composition as
shown in FIG. 2 is constituted by an umbrella-shaped crown section
15a bend in a downward fashion as shown in the diagram, and a thick
linear element section 15b. The front end of the crown section 15a,
which functions as a top loading element, is bent further downwards
to form a cylindrical section 15d. Thereby, it is possible to
shorten the length of the element section 15b. Moreover, a matching
stub 15e is provided in such a manner that it connects between an
intermediate position of the element section 15b and the earth
section 6b formed on the circuit board 6. This matching stub 15e
serves to match the dual-frequency antenna 15 to a coaxial cable
leading from the dual-frequency antenna 15. Moreover, the lower end
of the element section 15b is connected to a power supply section
6a formed on a circuit board 6. In this case, an element section
15b is formed by a metal pipe and the element section 15b may be
affixed to the power supply section 6a by passing a T-shaped pin
inside the element section 15b from the rear face of the circuit
board 6. The characteristic composition of the dual-frequency
antenna 15 having this second composition relating to an embodiment
of the present invention is that the front end of the cylindrical
section 15d in the umbrella-shaped crown section 15a is connected
to the power supply section 6a by means of a folded element 15c. By
connecting the front end of the umbrella-shaped crown section 15a
to the power supply section 6a by means of a folded element 15c in
this way, the dual-frequency antenna 15 operates in two frequency
bands.
Since a cylindrical section 15d is provided in addition to bending
the crown section 15a of the dual-frequency antenna 15 downwards in
an umbrella shape, a large capacity is formed between the crown
section 15a and the ground plane connected to the earth section 6b,
and hence the diameter of the crown section 15a can be reduced. For
example, if this dual-frequency antenna 15 is used as an antenna
for digital cellular systems, such as a 900 MHz band (870 MHz-960
MHz) GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) system and a 1.8
GHz band (1710 MHz-1880 MHz) DCS (Digital Cellular System) system,
then the diameter of the crown section 15a will be approximately 30
mm, and the antenna height can be reduced to a low profile of
approximately 29.5 mm. In this way, it is possible further to
reduce the profile of the antenna height.
Next, FIG. 3 shows the composition in a case where a dual-frequency
antenna 15 having a second composition relating to an embodiment of
the present invention as described above, is applied to an antenna
for a vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle antenna 1 according to the present
invention comprises a conductive metal base 3 having an elliptical
shape, and an antenna case consisting of a cover 2 made from
synthetic resin, which fits onto this metal base 3. A soft pad is
provided on the lower face of the metal base 3, which is installed
on the vehicle. The vehicle antenna 1 has a low profile and does
not comprise any element section, or the like, which projects
beyond the antenna case. Moreover, a base installation section 3a
is formed in a projecting fashion on the rear face of the metal
base 3, whereby the vehicle antenna 1 is affixed to the vehicle by
fixing a fastening screw into an installation hole formed in the
vehicle body. A clearance hole comprising a cutaway groove section
3b formed in the axial direction thereof is provided in the base
installation section 3a, and a GPS cable 10 and telephone cable 11
are led into the antenna case from outside by means of this
clearance hole.
A connector 10a for connecting a GPS device is provided on the
front end of the GPS cable 10, and a connector 11a connected to a
car telephone is provided on the front end of the telephone cable
11.
The GPS antenna receiving GPS signals and the dual-frequency
antenna 15 for the car phone are accommodated inside the antenna
case, as shown by the exposed view of the metal case 3 and the
cover 2 in FIG. 3. The GPS antenna 4 is accommodated inside a GPS
antenna holding section made from a metal case 3. The
dual-frequency antenna 15 is electrically connected to the circuit
board 6, as shown in FIG. 2, and is also mechanically fixed
thereto. The circuit board 6 is fixed to the metal base 3.
Moreover, the GPS cable introduced into the antenna case is
connected to the GPS antenna 4 and a telephone cable 11 is
connected to the dual-frequency antenna 15 on the circuit board
6.
Furthermore, when extracting the telephone cable 11 and the GPS
cable 10 from the clearance hole of the base installation section
3a, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible for the cables to be
extracted virtually in parallel with the rear face of the metal
base 3, by means of the cutaway groove section 3b formed in the
axial direction of the base installation section 3a. Moreover, by
leading the GPS cable 10 and the telephone cable 11 out from the
lower end of the clearance hole, it is possible to make them lie
virtually orthogonally with respect to the rear face of the metal
base 3. Thereby, the telephone cable 11 and the GPS cable 10 can be
extracted in accordance with the structure of the vehicle to which
the vehicle antenna 1 is attached.
The dual-frequency antenna 15 is constituted by a linear element
section 15b as shown in FIG. 2 and a circular crown section 15a
provided at the front end of the element section 15b, which is bent
downwards in an umbrella shape and comprises a cylindrical section
15d. This crown section 15a is affixed to the front end of the
element section 15b by means of soldering, or the like. Moreover, a
brim-shaped installing section is formed on the lower edge of the
element section 15b, and this installing section is affixed to a
power supply section 6a formed on a circuit board 6a, by means of
soldering. When the circuit board 6 is installed on the metal base
3, the earth pattern of the circuit board 6 connects electrically
with the metal base 3, in such a manner that the metal base 3 acts
as a ground plane of the dual-frequency antenna 15.
Next, FIG. 4 to FIG. 19 show Smith charts indicating impedance
characteristics, and graphs illustrating voltage stationary wave
ratio (VSWR) characteristics and horizontal directionality
characteristics for the vehicle antenna 1 shown in FIG. 3, in
GSM/DCS frequency bands. Here, FIG. 4 to FIG. 11 show Smith charts
and graphs indicating VSWR characteristics and horizontal
directionality characteristics in GSM/DCS wave bands, in cases
where a GPS antenna 4 is not installed, whilst FIG. 12 to FIG. 19
show Smith charts and graphs indicating VSWR characteristics and
horizontal directionality characteristics in GSM/DCS wave bands, in
cases where a GPS antenna 4 is installed.
FIG. 4 is a Smith chart in a GSM frequency band, where no GPS
antenna 4 is provided, and FIG. 5 is a corresponding graph of VSWR
characteristics. As shown in the diagram, the VSWR for the GSM
frequency band is approximately 2.3 or lower.
Moreover, FIG. 6 is a Smith chart in a DCS frequency band, where no
GPS antenna 4 is provided, and FIG. 7 is a corresponding graph of
VSWR characteristics. As shown in the diagram, the VSWR for the DCS
frequency band is approximately 1.5 or lower.
From these VSWR characteristics and the impedance characteristics
shown in the Smith charts, it can be seen that the vehicle antenna
1 adopting the dual-frequency antenna 15 operates in both the GSM
and DCS frequency bands.
FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
870 MHz, which is the lowest GSM frequency, in a case where no GPS
antenna 4 is provided when the vehicle antenna 1 is installed as
illustrated in FIG. 8(a). In this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.04 dB. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 915 MHz, which is a central GSM frequency in the
same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-0.81 dB. FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 960 MHz, which is the maximum GSM frequency, in
the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.53 dB. By referring to the diagrams showing these horizontal
plane directionality characteristics, it can be seen that
satisfactory, virtually circular directionality characteristics in
a horizontal plane are obtained in the GSM frequency band.
FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
1710 MHz, which is the lowest DCS frequency, in a case where no GPS
antenna 4 is provided when the vehicle antenna 1 is installed as
illustrated in FIG. 8(a). In this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.33 dB. FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 1795 MHz, which is a central DCS frequency in the
same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-0.3 dB. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 1880 MHz, which is the maximum DCS frequency, in
the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.17 dB. By referring to the diagrams showing these horizontal
plane directionality characteristics, it can be seen that
satisfactory, virtually circular directionality characteristics in
a horizontal plane are obtained in the DCS frequency band.
From these diagrams showing horizontal plane directionality
characteristics, it can be seen that the vehicle antenna 1 adopting
the dual-frequency antenna 15 operates satisfactorily in both the
GSM and DCS frequency bands.
FIG. 12 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in the
GSM frequency band when there is a GPS antenna 4, and FIG. 13 is a
graph showing VSWR characteristics thereof. As shown in the
drawings, the VSWR in the GSM frequency band is approximately 2.3
or less.
FIG. 14 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in the
DCS frequency band when there is a GPS antenna 4, and FIG. 15 is a
graph showing VSWR characteristics thereof. As shown in the
drawings, the VSWR in the DCS frequency band is approximately 1.8
or less.
From the VSWR characteristics and the impedance characteristics
shown in the Smith charts, it can be seen that characteristics
deteriorate slightly if there is a GPS antenna 4, but a vehicle
antenna 1 adopting the dual-frequency antenna 15 operates
satisfactorily in both GSM and DCS frequency bands.
FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
870 MHz, which is the lowest GSM frequency, in a case where a GPS
antenna 4 is provided when the vehicle antenna 1 is installed as
illustrated in FIG. 16(a). In this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.23 dB. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 915 MHz, which is a central GSM frequency in the
same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-0.78 dB. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 960 MHz, which is the maximum GSM frequency, in
the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.67 dB. By referring to these horizontal plane directionality
characteristics, it can be seen that although characteristics
deteriorate slightly when a GPS antenna 4 is provided,
satisfactory, virtually circular directionality characteristics in
a horizontal plane are obtained in the GSM frequency band.
FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
1710 MHz, which is the lowest DCS frequency, in a case where a GPS
antenna 4 is provided when the vehicle antenna 1 is installed as
illustrated in FIG. 16(a). In this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-1.81 dB. FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 1795 MHz, which is a central DCS frequency in the
same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-0.22 dB. FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 1880 MHz, which is the maximum DCS frequency, in
the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
-0.04 dB. By referring to these horizontal plane directionality
characteristics, it can be seen that although characteristics
deteriorate slightly when a GPS antenna 4 is provided,
satisfactory, virtually circular directionality characteristics in
a horizontal plane are obtained in the DCS frequency band.
From these horizontal plane directionality characteristics, it can
be seen that although characteristics deteriorate slightly when a
GPS antenna 4 is provided, the vehicle antenna 1 adopting the
dual-frequency antenna 15 operates satisfactorily in both the GSM
and DCS frequency bands.
Next, FIG. 20 to FIG. 27 show Smith charts indicating impedance
characteristics, and graphs illustrating voltage stationary wave
ratio (VSWR) characteristics and horizontal directionality
characteristics in AMPS/PCS frequency bands, when the first
dual-frequency antenna 5 in FIG. 1 is used as a vehicle antenna
1.
FIG. 20 is a Smith chart showing impedance characteristics in an
AMPS frequency band, and FIG. 21 is a corresponding graph of VSWR
characteristics. As shown in the diagram, the VSWR for the AMPS
frequency band is approximately 2.0 or lower.
Moreover, FIG. 22 is a Smith chart showing impedance
characteristics in a PCS frequency band, and FIG. 23 is a
corresponding graph of VSWR characteristics. As shown in the
diagram, the VSWR for the PCS frequency band is approximately 1.7
or lower.
From these VSWR characteristics and the impedance characteristics
shown in the Smith charts, it can be seen that the vehicle antenna
1 adopting the dual-frequency antenna 5 operates in both the AMPS
and PCS frequency bands.
FIG. 24(b) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
824 MHz, which is the lowest AMPS frequency, in a case where the
vehicle antenna 1 is installed as illustrated in FIG. 24(a). In
this case, the antenna gain corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip
antenna is approximately -1.19 dB. FIG. 25(a) is a diagram showing
horizontal plane directionality at 859 MHz, which is a central AMPS
frequency in the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna
gain corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is
approximately -0.64 dB. FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing horizontal
plane directionality at 894 MHz, which is the maximum AMPS
frequency, in the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna
gain corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is
approximately -0.81 dB. By referring to these horizontal plane
directionality characteristics, it can be seen that satisfactory,
virtually circular directionality characteristics in a horizontal
plane are obtained in the AMPS frequency band.
FIG. 26(a) is a diagram showing horizontal plane directionality at
1850 MHz, which is the lowest PCS frequency, when the vehicle
antenna 1 is installed as illustrated in FIG. 24(a). In this case,
the antenna gain corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is
approximately -1.39 dB. FIG. 26(b) is a diagram showing horizontal
plane directionality at 1920 MHz, which is a central PCS frequency
in the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately
1.28 dB. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing horizontal plane
directionality at 1990 MHz, which is the maximum PCS frequency, in
the same circumstances, and in this case, the antenna gain
corresponding to a 1/4 wavelength whip antenna is approximately 0.5
dB. By referring to these horizontal plane directionality
characteristics, it can be seen that satisfactory, virtually
circular directionality characteristics in a horizontal plane are
obtained in the PCS frequency band.
From these horizontal plane directionality characteristics, it can
be seen that the vehicle antenna 1 adopting the dual-frequency
antenna 5 operates satisfactorily in both the AMPS and PCS
frequency bands.
In the foregoing description, the dual-frequency antenna relating
to the present invention was operated in two frequency bands, GSM
and DCS, or AMPS and PCS, but the present invention is not limited
to this and may be applied to any communications system having two
frequency bands wherein the frequency ratio is approximately
1:2.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
By adopting the foregoing composition, the present invention
provides a folded element connecting the front end of a crown
section provided on the front end of a linear element, and the
power supply point of the linear element. By providing a folded
element in this way, it is possible to achieve an antenna which
operates in two frequency bands. The frequency ration between the
two frequency bands in which it operates is approximately 1:2.
Moreover, since the dual-frequency antenna according to the present
invention, is provided with a crown section which functions as a
top loading element at the front end of a linear element, it is
possible to reduce the height of the dual-frequency antenna.
Therefore, the dual-frequency antenna can be accommodated inside a
small antenna case, and excellent antenna design can be achieved
since the antenna does not project significantly when attached to
the roof of a vehicle.
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